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What will define workforce education in 2025? Technology is evolving faster than ever, reshaping roles and industries. Employees are demanding benefits that align with their values and aspirations. Meanwhile, companies face growing pressure to deliver measurable impact from their investments in learning and development.

Against this backdrop, InStride’s thought leaders offer their predictions for the trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the year ahead. From AI adoption to rethinking employee benefits, these insights chart a path for organizations to navigate the future of work.

InStride experts weigh in: The key trends shaping 2025

1. HR will invest more in high-impact benefits, while sunsetting less-valuable offerings

“Pandemic-era ancillary perks will decline as companies focus investments on core benefits like healthcare and innovative offerings that drive clear business value and outcomes, such as talent development and workforce education.” - Craig Maloney, Chief Executive Officer

2. 2025 will mark the end of waiting periods for employee benefits

"From education programs to healthcare coverage, companies will abandon traditional 30-60-90-day waiting periods as they recognize the importance of providing immediate access to benefits. Organizations that offer day-one eligibility will gain a strategic edge, driving faster employee engagement, development, and loyalty while outpacing competitors clinging to outdated practices.” - Patrick Donovan, Chief Operating Officer

3. Jobs will evolve faster than companies can hire

"The skills required today are changing so rapidly that traditional job descriptions quickly become obsolete. Workforce education will shift from optional to essential to keep up with this pace of change." - Nisha Smales, VP of Workforce Solutions & Corporate Strategy

4. Workforce education will drive the next phase of AI adoption

“AI is disrupting industries, but its adoption depends on employees who can wield it effectively. In 2025, companies that prioritize workforce education to demystify AI and integrate it into everyday workflows will leap ahead of their competitors.” - Michelle Westfort, Chief Strategy & Solutions Officer


5. Cohort-based and contextual learning will redefine corporate education

“Companies embracing contextual and cohort-based learning models will realize faster application of skills and better leadership pipelines, bridging the gap between training and tangible business outcomes.” - Jeff Schulz, Vice President of Professional Services

“Leaner budgets in 2025 will force HR to get creative, turning education benefits into high-impact solutions that prove HR can be a revenue driver, not a cost center.” - Stephen Chu, Chief Legal & Administrative Officer

7. Soft skills will make or break Gen Z in the workforce

“The next generation of workers faces a defining challenge: mastering durable skills like communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. In 2025, companies that bridge this gap with targeted workforce education will turn hesitant hiring managers into champions of young talent." - Michelle Hamilton, VP of People

8. Hybrid clinical education programs take off

"These direct pipelines into high-demand clinical roles are scalable and cost-effective for systems and accessible for employees and community members. Health systems, weary of paying unsustainable premiums for traveling clinical staff, will dig deep to develop homegrown talent pipelines to fill critical roles and ensure workforce stability. 

Through hybrid clinical education programs, health systems can help realize their desired business, workforce and social outcomes." - Molly Ellenberg Friedland, Group Vice President & Healthcare Practice Lead

9. HR leaders will focus on less visible ways to advance DEI efforts

“While HR remains dedicated to fostering a level playing field for employees from all backgrounds, overtly labeled initiatives are under pressure due to a shifting macro environment. The focus will shift to emphasizing fairness and equal access to opportunities. Broad, inclusive initiatives—such as workforce education programs accessible to all employees—are anticipated to gain prominence. These programs are not only resilient to legal and political challenges but also effective in leveling the playing field." - Nick Greif, VP of Corporate Communications & External Affairs

10. Employer partnerships will be higher ed’s lifeline in 2025

“As the pool of traditional-age college students shrinks, institutions must expand beyond degree programs and forge deep employer partnerships to provide workforce-aligned learning that serves adult learners.” - Stephanie Tsales, VP of Strategic Partnerships

Expert predictions offer a glimpse into what’s ahead for workforce education, but the voices of employees bring these trends to life. Understanding what employees truly value in their education benefits is essential for companies looking to make a meaningful impact.

Dive into the findings from InStride’s 2024 Employee Learner Survey to see how employee sentiments complement these bold predictions—and to shape a workforce strategy that meets the moment.

Hear what the industry experts have to say about what's trending in workforce education and L&D in 2025.

10 workforce education and L&D hot takes for 2025

10 workforce education and L&D hot takes for 2025 | InStride

Findings from InStride's survey of 1000+ employees enrolled in workforce education provide a behind-the-scenes look at the employee learning experience.

What employees are saying about their education benefits

What employees are saying about their education benefits | InStride

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